Associate in General Studies

There are many schools that offer an associate in general studies program. This multidisciplinary degree enables students to study a range of courses including business, real estate, government or healthcare. Such a broad and diverse knowledge base may enable students to seek career opportunities in many different industries. Possible career paths include retail salespersons, market analysts and general clerks.

According to the information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for retail salespersons are expected to grow about as fast as the average of all occupations between 2012 and 2022. In the same way, career outlook for general clerks is also positive during the ten year time period of 2012 – 2022. Opportunities for market research analysts are also excellent with a 32% expected job growth during the same tenure.

Associate in General Studies
The associate degree in general studies typically lasts for 2 years. However, the enrollment status of the students will determine the precise program duration. Enrolling in the associate in general studies gives students a chance to prepare for the bachelor's program. The ones who have not yet decided upon a specific career path can typically benefit from this program.

Admissions Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is what students need in order to enroll in this undergraduate degree. They may also have to submit letters of recommendation and appear for an interview. Other admissions factors may vary by school.

Coursework in the Associate in General Studies
The curriculum of the associate in general studies may include topics such as sociology, computer science, economics, physics, public speaking, and philosophy. Classes are also available in society and gender, and critical thinking. Besides, students can take elective courses in specific subject areas, such as calculus, world literature, and more. The curriculum is designed in such a way that it helps improve the interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills that can be useful for entry-level positions in different fields.

Associate in General Studies Online
Students who want to earn an associate degree in general studies can also take the online route. The online programs are self-pacedand enable students to enjoy a lot of flexibility in terms of their study schedule and program duration.

Career Outlook
Graduates of an associate in general studies can look for entry level-jobs in various fields including healthcare, business, real estate or government. They may become clerks, market research analysts, or salespersons.

The BLS notes that the median hourly wage for retail salespersons was $10.15 in 2012 and the office clerks made $13.21 per hour. Location, type of job, and relevant experience are some factors that will determine the precise income.

Continuing Education
Graduates of an associate in general studies can further their knowledge by enrolling in the bachelor's programs. The bachelor's degree typically takes 4 years to complete depending on the route that students decide to take. In most cases, students have the option of transferring some or all of their credits towards a bachelor's program based on liberal arts education. Besides, they can also opt to specialize in a particular area, such as philosophy, business, mathematics, or psychology.

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

Source: bls.gov